Measuring Research and Development Expenditures in the U.S. Economy

This report examines the portfolio of research and development (R&D) expenditure surveys at the National Science Foundation (NSF), identifying gaps and weaknesses and areas of missing coverage. The report takes an in-depth look at the definition of R&D, the needs and potential uses of NSF's R&D data by a variety of users, the goals of an integrated system of surveys and other data collection activities, and the quality of the data collected in the existing Science Resources Statistics surveys.

This report examines the portfolio of research and development (R&D) expenditure surveys at the National Science Foundation (NSF), identifying gaps and weaknesses and areas of missing coverage. The report takes an in-depth look at the definition of R&D, the needs and potential uses of NSF's R&D data by a variety of users, the goals of an integrated system of surveys and other data collection activities, and the quality of the data collected in the existing Science Resources Statistics surveys. Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction2 Uses and Users3 Measuring R&D in Business and Industry4 Measuring Innovation in Business and Industry5 Measuring R&D Spending by the Federal Government6 Measuring R&D Activity in Academic Institutions7 Analysis of the R&D Data Funding Discrepancies8 Survey Management and Adminstrative IssuesReferencesAppendix A: Workshop AgendaAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Panel Members and Staff